The contribution of ACFE for a more inclusive Australia Rowena Allen Chairperson Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board

1. ACFE overview 2. National recognition of adult community education 3. Supporting a more inclusive Australia 4. How is ACFE contributing to inclusion? 5. Questions

ACFE’s role post-school

ACFE overview 100,000 learners each year 8,000 staff and volunteers right across the state Over 320 not-for-profit Learn Local organisations 20 years legislated function to support the sector ACFE Board: 12 members 8 Regional Offices that support 8 Regional Councils and Learn Local organisations 2 Adult Education Institutions – CAE and AMES

Learn Local in VET Figure 1 Government funded VET activity in 2010

Types of training offered Pre-accredited training Quality assured by ACFE Board Increase confidence and skills Programs of at least 20 hours Pathways to further education and employment 20% of ACE delivery (hours) in this form of training Accredited training A range of courses offered under the Victorian Training Guarantee Around 80% of ACE delivery (hours) in accredited training

ACFE overview: qualifications

1. ACFE overview 2. National recognition of adult community education 3. Supporting a more inclusive Australia 4. How is ACFE contributing to inclusion? 5. Questions

National recognition of community based learning is stronger

2011 Victorian Families Statement “Nothing is more important for the future prosperity of families than a good education, starting in early childhood.” “By making it a priority and getting our education system right, the Government is making the best possible investment in our future…” “In today’s world, having the right skills is increasingly important to securing and keeping a good job.”

1. ACFE overview 2. National recognition of adult community education 3. Supporting a more inclusive Australia 4. How is ACFE contributing to inclusion? 5. Questions

A small but significant number of Australians face multiple disadvantages 5% of persons aged years reported having 3 or more areas of disadvantage, and they... were concentrated in disadvantaged locations reported greater difficulty accessing services Social inclusion in Australia: How Australia is faring, 2010

Where you live matters... Service access is more likely to be an issue for those living outside major cities. Only 18% of people in major cities reported difficulties compared to 28% in inner regional areas and 39% in other areas which includes outer regional and remote locations Costs, waiting times or unavailability and difficulty accessing transport or the distance needed to travel were common issues cited.

A social inclusion approach What is social inclusion?...a socially inclusive society is one where all individuals have the opportunities, capabilities and resources to participate fully in their community An effective social inclusion agenda uses a range of initiatives to: develop people’s resources address resourcing gaps encourage participation to learn, work, engage, have a voice invest in support systems & reform measure and evaluate progress

1. ACFE overview 2. National recognition of adult community education 3. Supporting a more inclusive Australia 4. How is ACFE contributing to inclusion? 5. Questions

Hard to Reach Learners Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Disabled Disengaged youth Early school leavers Indigenous Low socio- economic status localities Males over 45 Vulnerable workers Unemployed

Hard to reach learner profile

Outcomes from Learn Local pathways Labour Force Transitions Learner Satisfaction Increased Income Labour Force improvement Among unemployed ACE learners – 68 per cent gained skills to get a job 58 per cent obtained a job. 63 per cent of females undertaking ACE study were in full time or part time employment compared to 52 per cent for women with less than ACE level education. Ratings of course quality consistent at around 95 per cent 83 per cent learners achieve their study goals $8,316 – $12,829 for males (in 2007 dollars) $1,336 – $2,205 for females (in 2007 dollars) Among employed learners – 73 per cent study helped with work tasks 61 per cent taught them skills to help them get a better job 47 per cent helped get a new job, and 26 per cent study helped them to set up or run a business

What would the VET system look like without ACE? Less support for hard to reach learners More limited pathways from informal to informal learning Fewer local learning options Missed opportunities for locally developed training to meet local needs

Mark’s pathway from Waverley Adult Literacy Program to employment Inclusion through adult literacy training for improved work pathways

Inclusion through industry partnerships Continuing Education Bendigo working with Care beyond Measure

Inclusion through university pathways Partnerships between Learn Local organisations and universities

Inclusion through community learning GEST’s Renew and recycle Program helping local disadvantaged community members

Challenges and opportunities for ACE Seeking greater recognition of the contribution of the sector in general, and to social and economic outcomes Recognition  funding Enhancing learner pathways more systematically than at present Supporting Learn Local organisations to deliver in a training market

1. ACFE overview 2. National recognition of adult community education 3. Supporting a more inclusive Australia 4. How is ACFE contributing to inclusion? 5. Questions?